In youth, we learn; in age, we understand.
In my 20s, I made a hell of a lot of mistakes. Out of those mistakes, I learned some promising lessons that stuck with me.
This generation is all about gadgets and gizmos. Regardless of your educational degree, you only survive in the market if you have developed the skills and character.
I am not here to lecture you on how to live your life. I am only sharing things that I’ve experienced. The mistakes, the errors in judgment, and the victories I celebrated.
1. You are born to do great things
Every soul is special. You are not born to waste time; you are here to do great things. Your 20s are the perfect moment to realize your potential. You’re young, energetic, and passionate about something. Find that something and give your heart to it.
Explore new things. Don’t just do 9–5; come home and watch Netflix. Use the spare time to polish a skill.
When I started my first computer engineering job, I hated it. But after I arrived home, I used to read inspiring stories. I used to dream of becoming a writer one day. And surely, one day, I received a call for an intern job as a writer. That’s how I started, and since that day, I haven’t seen back.
Find out what excites you. What makes your heart pump past. That’s what you’re born to do. Ignore the naysayers. Live life on your terms.
2. Failure is part of the process
Every obstacle makes you strong.
Once you’ve figured out what you want to do with life, work hard for it. Spend each day moving one step closer to your goal. Some days you’ll succeed while other days will give you a learning experience. Don’t label it as a failure. It’s an experience that makes you strong.
Learn from every failure. Move on to the next hurdle. Fail again. Learn and move on. That is how you must live your life in your 20s.
Understand these are your golden days. Create memories. Make friends. Help people. Polish your skill. Start a business. Do a job. Experience things you’ve always dreamed of. Have no regrets.
3. Read vigorously
Read even if you hate it. Reading gives you information. Turn that information into knowledge and do some good for the world.
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4. Choose your life partner wisely
I have gone through a rough patch in my relationship, which is why I can share some things about finding a better half.
Don’t look for money or only beauty when it comes to finding a life partner. Go for someone with whom you can sit in peace. Whom you can understand without saying anything. Look for someone who can understand your pain and celebrate your victory.
If you haven’t found such a person, I suggest you keep looking before making a final decision. Your life partner will share a significant part of your life. Don’t choose someone unable to understand your deepest feelings.
5. Create more than ONE stream of income
9–5 job is one form of income. In the current situation, you need to have more than one income stream.
Go for multiple side-hustles.
Choose any of the below side-hustle and work on it after your day job.
6. Always be grateful
One of the things I learned late in life is gratitude. But the day I started being grateful for the things that I already have, was the day that changed my perception of life.
Every morning, count down ten things that you’re grateful for. Starting from your health, home, family, friends, food, and skills.
The more grateful you become, the more blessed you’ll be.
Previously, I didn’t believe in miracles, but after inculcating the habit of gratitude in my life, everything changed for good.
Start your day and end your day by showing gratitude towards life.
The more grateful you are, the more GOD will give you. The more you complain, the more problems will be sent along your way.
7. Donate generously
One of the fastest ways to bring barakah in life is to donate generously.
Whatever you earn, give 10% to charity. You’ll see results instantly.
Make it a habit to give money, time, and consultancy to needy people.
If you have a skill and someone cannot pay for it, once in a blue moon, do the work for free.
When you start giving away in the name of GOD, you will get payback from places you cannot even imagine. And most importantly, when you give charity, GOD removes hurdles from your life. It’s a tried and tested formula that I’ve been using for some time, and it never disappoints. So, when you feel your life is stuck, start giving charity.
Conclusion
Life is so beautiful. Good and bad days are part of life. Be grateful for the good times, and have patience in the hard ones. Give people hope. Master a skill and teach people whatever you learn. Figure out your unique purpose in life and get to work.